Orientation specific control

ABSTRACT

The description relates to orientation specific control of computing devices. One example can include an orientation specific actuator for controlling functionality of a computing device. The example can include providing a first functionality related to a first orientation of the computing device in response to engagement of the orientation specific actuator. The example can also include providing a second functionality in response to engagement of the orientation specific actuator in a second orientation of the computing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the conceptsconveyed in the present document. Features of the illustratedimplementations can be more readily understood by reference to thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. Like reference numbers in the various drawings are usedwherever feasible to indicate like elements. Further, the left-mostnumeral of each reference number conveys the FIG. and associateddiscussion where the reference number is first introduced. Where spacepermits, elements and their associated reference numbers are both shownon the drawing page for the reader's convenience. Otherwise, only thereference numbers are shown.

FIGS. 1A-1C show perspective views of an example device in accordancewith some implementations of the present concepts.

FIGS. 2A-5C show sectional views of example devices in accordance withsome implementations of the present concepts.

DESCRIPTION

The present concepts relate to orientation specific control of a device.In some implementations, different functionality for controlling thedevice can be accessible depending on an orientation of the device, suchas a closed or an opened orientation. An example device can be afoldable computing device. Engaging an orientation specific actuator(e.g., a button) of the device while the device is in a closedorientation (e.g., folded together) can effect a first range offunctionality. However, when an orientation of the device changes, thefunctionality accessible via the same orientation specific actuator canalso change. For example, when the device is in an opened orientation,engaging the same orientation specific actuator can effect a second,different range of functionality. As such, orientation specific controlconcepts can provide increased flexibility for components of a deviceand/or simplify the user experience.

Introductory FIGS. 1A through 1C collectively show a use case scenarioof an example device 100. Device 100 has first and second portions 102and 104 that are rotatably secured together by a hinge assembly 106. Thehinge assembly 106 can provide a rotational range of the first andsecond portions 102 and 104 from zero degrees to 360 degrees, forinstance. In some implementations, device 100 can be a handheldcomputing device, such as a smart phone type device. First portion 102can have an inner surface 108 and an outer surface 110. Second portion104 can also have an inner surface 112 and an outer surface 114. (Notethe inner surface 108 and outer surface 114 are facing away from theviewer in FIGS. 1A through 1C and as such are not directly visible).Device 100 can be held by a user 116. Device 100 may also include one ormore displays 118.

Device 100 can have an orientation specific actuator 120. In FIG. 1A,alternative locations for the orientation specific actuator 120 areshown, including orientation specific actuators 120, 120(1), and 120(2).The example locations are not meant to be limiting, other locations ofthe orientation specific actuator on device 100 are contemplated. InFIGS. 1B and 1C, one location of the orientation specific actuator 120is shown to avoid crowding on the drawing page.

FIG. 1A depicts device 100 in a closed orientation, where the innersurfaces 108 and 112 of the first and second portions 102 and 104 arepositioned parallel to and against one another (e.g., overlay oneanother). In this case, the outer surfaces 110 and 114 are facingoutwardly, with the first portion's outer surface 110 facing the readerand the second portion's outer surface 114 facing the fingers of theuser 116. The closed orientation can be very compact and easy for theuser to transport. For instance, the device may fit in the user'spocket. Further, the inner surfaces can be protected in this closedorientation by the outer surfaces.

In this implementation, the orientation specific actuator 120 of thedevice 100 can provide a first functionality from the closedorientation. Examples of the first functionality can include causing thedevice 100 to open and/or powering up (e.g., turning on, waking from asleep mode) the device.

Assume at this point the user 116 wants to use the device 100. Forinstance, the user may want to be able to view display 118. As shown inFIG. 1B, the user 116 can simply engage the orientation specificactuator 120 to open the device. Engagement of the orientation specificactuator 120 by the user 116 can be accomplished with or withoutdepressing the orientation specific actuator. For example, in some casesthe user can simply rest a finger or thumb on the orientation specificactuator 120 for engagement, without pushing and/or changing a height ofthe orientation specific actuator relative to the device 100. In othercases, the user can depress the orientation specific actuator 120 towardthe device 100 for engagement.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the user can engage the orientation specificactuator 120 with a single digit (in the illustration his/her thumb) toactivate the orientation specific actuator, releasing the first andsecond portions 102 and 104 and causing the device to open. In thiscase, the first functionality can also include powering up the device.For example, continued actuation of the orientation specific actuator120 can cause the device to power up. Stated another way, a single useraction of engaging the orientation specific actuator can both open thedevice and power up the device.

As shown in FIG. 1C, responsive to the user 116 engaging the orientationspecific actuator 120, the device 100 has both transitioned to an openedorientation as indicated at 122 and powered on the display 118 (e.g.,lighted the display) as indicated at 124. In the opened orientation, thefirst and second portions 102 and 104 are rotated apart from oneanother, such that the first and second portions are no longer parallelto and/or against one another. In FIG. 1C, the lighted display 118 andthe inner surface 112 of the second portion 104 are at least partiallyvisible.

Once the device 100 is in the opened orientation, the orientationspecific actuator 120 can provide a second functionality. For example,engagement of the orientation specific actuator in the openedorientation by the user 116 can cause the device to power on, power off,go to sleep, or wake up (i.e., similar to a power/sleep/wake “function”button). Note that in this implementation, the functionality provided bythe orientation specific actuator 120 (e.g., accessible functionality)is automatically determined by the orientation of the device and doesnot require any additional user action. For instance, if the device 100is in an opened orientation and the user engages the orientationspecific actuator 120, the device can power up. If the device is in aclosed orientation and the user engages the orientation specificactuator, the device can both open and power up. Thus, the orientationdetermines the functionality provided by the orientation specificactuator rather than simply alternating between a first functionalityand a second functionality, for example. Stated another way, if thedevice is closed, but for some reason opens up (e.g., manually opened bythe user without engaging the orientation specific actuator, lockfailure, etc.), the functionality provided by the orientation specificactuator is determined by the orientation. In this instance, the buttonheight can also change automatically to provide an indication to theuser of the available functionality.

To conclude the illustrated use case scenario, assuming user 116 is doneusing the device 100, the user can close the device simply by pressingthe first and second portions 102 and 104 together until the innersurfaces 108 and 112 are against one another and the device is closed.The device has then returned to the closed orientation as shown in FIG.1A, and thus the first functionality associated with the closedorientation would again be provided through engagement of theorientation specific actuator 120.

As described in the use case scenario above, a single orientationspecific actuator (e.g., button) can be used to effect differentfunctionalities. Traditionally, different buttons on computing devicesare tied to different specific functions. For instance a first button isutilized to lock and unlock a computing device, while a second button isused to control a power state of the computing device. Further, thedifferent buttons generally perform the specific functions irrespectiveof an orientation of the computing device. However, the differentbuttons can increase the complexity of a device, confusion for a user,cost in manufacturing, and/or chances for mechanical failure. Incontrast, being able to automatically access multiple differentfunctionalities from a single orientation specific actuator simplifies acomputing device and its use for a user. Some additional examples ofdifferent functionalities provided by a single orientation specificactuator are described below with reference to FIGS. 1B and 1C.

Referring again to FIG. 1B, in addition to opening the device 100 andpowering up the device, the first functionality can include unlockingthe device, identifying a particular user of the device (e.g.,finger/thumbprint identification), and/or lighting the display 118,among other mechanical and/or electrical functionalities. For instance,engagement of orientation specific actuator 120 by the user 116 cancause a lock within the first and/or second portions 102 and 104 tounlock, releasing the device to the opened position. (This aspect isdescribed in more detail below relative to FIGS. 2A through 3B.)Continuing in reference to FIG. 1B, engagement of the orientationspecific actuator 120 by the user 116 with their thumb can result inthumbprint identification of the user that can be necessary for the lockto release, can cause the device to power on, and additionally oralternatively can cause the display to light up. As such, the singleorientation specific actuator 120 can automatically provide multipleuseful functions to the user from the closed orientation.

Furthermore, the single orientation specific actuator 120 canautomatically provide a different range of functionality simply based onthe device 100 being in the opened orientation, as in FIG. 1C. Thesecond functionality provided in the opened orientation can be a subsetof the first functionality, or can be different. In addition to poweringup/down the device 100, in some implementations the second functionalitycan include lighting the display 118 (e.g., 124) and changing a powerstate of the device, among other mechanical and/or electricalfunctionalities. Therefore, from the opened orientation shown in FIG.1C, if the user wanted to save battery life of device 100 for example,the user 116 could engage the orientation specific actuator 120 to causethe device to go into a sleep mode. The examples of first and secondfunctionalities given here are not meant to be limiting. In some casesan order of the example first and second functionalities described inthe use case scenario for FIGS. 1A through 1C can be generally reversed.For example, the first functionality can include the device 100 poweringup, and the second functionality can include the device opening.

In some cases, the particular functionality provided by orientationspecific actuator 120 can be at least partially dependent on a currentstate (e.g., current power state) of device 100. A current power stateof the device 100 can include powered off, powered on, and/or a sleepmode. For example, where the device 100 is in the opened orientation anda current power state of the device is powered off, engagement of theorientation specific actuator 120 can cause the device to be powered on.However, where the device 100 is in the opened orientation and a currentpower state of the device is powered on/awake, engagement of theorientation specific actuator 120 can cause the device to be poweredoff, or enter a sleep mode. Other factors affecting the functionalityprovided by the orientation specific actuator 120 are considered, suchas user 116 holding the orientation specific actuator 120 down (e.g.,depressed) briefly, as opposed to quickly “clicking” the orientationspecific actuator. For instance, in some cases holding the orientationspecific actuator 120 down can power the device 100 off from a poweredon state, while clicking the orientation specific actuator 120 can placethe device in sleep mode.

To assist in understanding how the orientation specific actuator 120 canautomatically provide different functionalities from differentorientations, it can be helpful to view the closed orientation of device100 (FIG. 1A) as corresponding to a first stage of the orientationspecific actuator 120, and the opened orientation of device 100 (FIG.1C) as corresponding to a second stage of the orientation specificactuator. In some cases, the first and second stages of the orientationspecific actuator 120 can correspond to different strokes available tothe user that in turn effect which functionality the orientationspecific actuator provides. For instance, when the device is in theclosed orientation shown in FIG. 1B, the user 116 may be able to depressthe orientation specific actuator 120 a particular distance (e.g.,stroke). However, when the device is in the opened orientation shown inFIG. 1C, the distance/stroke that the user 116 is able to depress theorientation specific actuator 120 may be different than from the closedorientation. Stroke differences of the first and second stages of theorientation specific actuator 120 will be described in more detailbelow, relative to FIGS. 2A through 3B.

In some implementations, the first and second stages of the orientationspecific actuator 120 can be associated with indicators to the user 116of the type of functionality available. Subtle indicators can enhancethe user experience by helping the user 116 anticipate what will happenwhen the user engages the orientation specific actuator 120. In somecases, orientation specific actuator 120 can provide a tactileindicator, such that by feeling the orientation specific actuator theuser can tell what functionality will ensue. For example, orientationspecific actuator 120 can have a difference in height between the firstand second stages relative to a surface of the device 100 (describedbelow relative to FIGS. 2A through 3B). Other indicators of the firstand second stages and/or indicators of changes in functionality providedby the orientation specific actuator 120 are contemplated, includingsound, light, and vibration. For example, the device 100 can produce anaudible sound when transitioning from the first to the second stage,and/or when closing the device.

From one perspective, orientation specific control concepts can simplifya computing device by reducing a number of required components. Asdescribed above relative to FIGS. 1A through 1C, a single orientationspecific actuator 120 can automatically provide multiple differentfunctionalities, and the range of different functionalities can changedepending on a current orientation of the device, expanding theflexibility and usefulness of the orientation specific actuator 120.Furthermore, the user experience can be simplified by reducing a numberof components the user must navigate, and potentially by providingindicators of the changing available functionalities.

Further description of orientation specific control concepts will now beprovided relative to FIGS. 2A through 5C, which collectively illustrateexample devices 100A, 100B, and 100C. As noted above, like referencenumbers in FIGS. 2A through 5C are used wherever feasible to indicatelike elements introduced in FIGS. 1A through 1C. For example, firstportion 102 in FIG. 1A can be viewed as similar to first portion 102A inFIG. 2A, and first portion 102B in FIG. 4A. For sake of brevity, not alllike elements shown in FIGS. 2A through 5C will be reintroduced in thetext.

Since the reader may have difficulty visualizing all of the componentsof device 100A from a single view, additional views are offeredconcurrently. FIG. 2A is a sectional view of device 100A in the closedorientation. FIG. 2B is a close-up, sectional view of portion 200 ofFIG. 2A. FIG. 3A is a sectional view of device 100A in the openedorientation. FIG. 3B is a close-up, sectional view of portion 202 ofFIG. 3A.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, device 100A includes orientation specificactuator 120A. In this implementation, orientation specific actuator120A can include a button 204, an interface element 206, and acontrolling assembly 208. In this case, the controlling assembly 208 caninclude two portions, first securing element 210 and second securingelement 212. As designated in FIG. 2B, the button 204 can have an uppersurface 214 and a lower surface 216.

As introduced above relative to FIGS. 1A through 1C, the orientationspecific actuator 120 can include tactile indicators of the first andsecond stages, such as height differences. Referring to FIG. 2B, thebutton 204 of the orientation specific actuator 120A can have an exposedheight H₁ above the outer surface 110A of first portion 102A when thedevice 100A is in the closed orientation. In some cases the exposedheight H₁ can correspond to a first stage of the orientation specificactuator 120A. Note that in the implementation shown in FIG. 2B, in thefirst stage the lower surface 216 of the button 204 is flush with theouter surface 110A of the first portion 102A and therefore the exposedheight H₁ of the button 204 is also an overall height of the button. Inother implementations, the lower surface 216 of the button 204 can bebelow or above the outer surface 110A of the first portion 102A in thefirst stage, such that an exposed height is not necessarily the same asthe overall height of the button 204.

As shown in FIG. 3A, first and second portions 102A and 104A of device100A are apart, in the opened orientation. In this instance, the button204 can have a different exposed height, corresponding to a second stageof the orientation specific actuator 120A. For example, in the firststage, the button 204 of the orientation specific actuator 120A can bemore proud of the first portion 102A (e.g., more exposed above the outersurface 110A of the first portion 102A) than in the second stage. In thesecond stage, the button 204 can have a height H₂ above the outersurface 110A of the first portion 102A (FIG. 3B). In this case, thelower surface 216 of the button 204 is depressed into the first portion102A. To assist in showing the difference, in FIGS. 3A and 3B the moreproud position of the button 204 is designated with dashed line 300.

In the first stage, a range of motion of button 204 can be viewed as atotal stroke ST, shown in FIG. 3B. The total stroke can be an amountthat the button can be depressed by a user, such as introduced aboverelative to FIG. 1B. In some implementations, the total stroke can be acombination of a first stroke S₁ and a second stroke S₂. In the caseillustrated in FIG. 3B, the first stroke is the distance between themore proud position of the button 204 and the upper surface 214 of thebutton 204 in the second stage. The second stroke can be an additionalamount the button can be depressed beyond the first stroke. The secondstroke can also be a reduced range of motion of the button when startingfrom the second stage (e.g., the opened orientation).

In some cases, the heights of the more proud and less proud positions ofthe button 204 can be selected to enhance tactile feedback to a user,such as user 116 depicted in FIG. 1B. The heights can also be selectedto minimize a protrusion of the button to avoid snagging or unduewearing of the button. In some implementations, a difference betweenheight H₁ and height H₂ can be detectable by feel with a thumb or fingerof a user (FIG. 1B). For instance, height H₁ can be 1.0 millimeter (mm)and height H₂ can be 0.35 mm, such that the first stroke S₁ is 0.65 mm.In some cases, the second stroke can be 0.15 mm, such that the totalstroke ST is 0.80 mm. Other amounts or ranges are contemplated forbutton heights and/or strokes associated with the first and secondstages of the orientation specific actuator 120A.

In some cases, in response to the first stroke S₁, the orientationspecific actuator 120A can automatically transition to the second stageand the button 204 can remain at height H₂. The orientation specificactuator can also automatically return to the first stage, with thebutton in the more proud position, in response to the device beingclosed. In response to the second stroke S₂ in the second stage, theorientation specific actuator 120A can rebound to height H₂, remainingin the second stage. Other reactions of the orientation specificactuator to the strokes are contemplated.

Depending on whether device 100A is in the closed or opened orientation,button 204, interface element 206, and/or controlling assembly 208 oforientation specific actuator 120A can provide the first functionalityand/or the second functionality described above relative to FIGS. 1Athrough 1C. For instance, in FIGS. 2A through 3B, engagement oforientation specific actuator 120A in the first stage with the firststroke S₁ can cause controlling assembly 208 to release first and secondportions 102A and 104A to the opened position. In this instance, firstand second securing elements 210 and 212 can include portions of a lock,and the first stroke can cause the first and second securing elements210 and 212 to unlock. In another instance, first and second securingelements 210 and 212 can include magnets, and the first stroke can causethe magnets to release the first and second portions 102A and 104A tothe opened position. In either of these instances, the button 204 candirectly interact with the controlling assembly 208, or interactindirectly via the interface element 206. Further engagement of theorientation specific actuator 120A with the second stroke S₂ could causethe device to power up via interface element 206. For example, theinterface element 206 can include a switch (e.g., a power switch). Inother implementations, the controlling assembly 208 can include thepower switch, positioned in the first and/or second portions 102A and104A. Additional detail and examples of interaction elements andcontrolling assemblies will be described below relative to FIGS. 4Athrough 5C.

Where the device is in the opened position, such as FIGS. 3A and 3B,button 204, interface element 206, and/or controlling assembly 208 oforientation specific actuator 120A can provide the second functionality(described above relative to FIGS. 1A through 1C). For instance,engagement of orientation specific actuator 120A in the second stagewith the second stroke S₂ could cause device 100A to power down viainterface element 206.

FIGS. 4A through 4C collectively describe example orientation specificcontrol concepts relative to example device 100B. FIG. 4A is a sectionalview of device 100B in the closed orientation. FIGS. 4B and 4C aresectional views of device 100B in the opened orientation. In this case,device 100B includes orientation specific actuator 120B. Orientationspecific actuator 120B can include button 204B, interface element 206B,and controlling assembly 208B. Interface element 206B can include firstinteraction element 400 and second interaction element 402. In thisexample, controlling assembly 208B can be manifest as a single securingelement 404. A range of motion of orientation specific actuator 120B caninclude a first stroke and a second stroke, similar to orientationspecific actuator 120A shown in FIGS. 2A through 3B. However, theheights and strokes of orientation specific actuator 120B are notdesignated in FIGS. 4A through 4C to avoid clutter on the drawing page.

In this case, first interaction element 400 can be a rigid rod affixedto the button 204B and passing through the first portion 102B. Startingwith FIG. 4A with the orientation specific actuator 120B in the firststage, downward movement (e.g., the first stroke) of the button 204B cansimply push the first interaction element 400 downward against thesecond portion 104B and/or the securing element 404, opening the deviceto the orientation shown in FIG. 4B. For instance, the securing element404 can be a magnet, and the first interaction element 400 can push themagnet away from the inner surface 108B of the first portion 102B,overcoming the magnetic attractive force and releasing the first andsecond portions 102B and 104B to the opened orientation. With continueddownward movement (e.g., the second stroke), the button 204B can contactthe second interaction element 402 as shown in FIG. 4C. In some cases,the second interaction element 402 can include a switch which can causethe device 100B to be powered up. As such, the total stroke of theorientation specific actuator 120B from the closed orientation canprovide both mechanical functionality (e.g., opening the device) as wellas electrical functionality (e.g., powering up the device).

In this case, the rigid rod (e.g., 400) and the switch (e.g., 402) areexamples of mechanical elements for providing the mechanical andelectrical aspects of the first functionality from the closedorientation. For example, the rigid rod is an example of a mechanicalrelease for opening the device 100B. Additional examples of mechanicalelements for providing mechanical and/or electrical functionality caninclude magnets, levers, springs, clasps, cams, and/or slides, usedsingly or in combination.

FIGS. 5A through 5C collectively describe example orientation specificcontrol concepts relative to example device 100C. FIG. 5A is a sectionalview of device 100C in the closed orientation, while FIGS. 5B and 5C aresectional views of device 100C in the opened orientation. In this case,device 100C includes orientation specific actuator 120C. The orientationspecific actuator 120C can include button 204C, interface element 206C,controlling assembly 208C. In this example button 204C includesengagement element 500.

As shown in the example in FIG. 5A, controlling assembly 208C caninclude first conductor 502 and second conductor 504. In this case, theinterface element 206C is manifest as contact electrodes indicated by“−” signs that are embedded in the button 204C and contact electrodesindicated by “+” signs that are embedded in first and second conductors502 and 504. The polarity of the contact electrodes is not meant to belimiting. Additional circuitry can be included, but is not described forsake of brevity.

The engagement element 500, shown in FIG. 5A embedded in upper surface214C of the button 204C, can include a finger/thumbprint reader. Forexample, similar to the scenario depicted in FIG. 1B, if a user touchesthe button 204C, the engagement element 500 can providefinger/thumbprint identification as discussed above. In otherimplementations, engagement element 500 can alternatively oradditionally be manifest as a capacitive touch mechanism for acapacitive touch button. The capacitive touch mechanism can allow theuser to engage the orientation specific actuator 120C without physicallydepressing the button 204C.

In this case, downward movement of the button 204C can result in contactbetween lower surface 216C of the button 204C and the first conductor502 (e.g., contact of leftmost contact electrodes shown in FIG. 5A). Thecontact can complete a circuit between the contact electrode embedded inthe lower surface 216C of the button 204C and the corresponding contactelectrode embedded in the first conductor 502. Completing the circuitcan cause controlling assembly 208C to open device 100C to the openedorientation, shown in FIG. 5B. For instance, the first conductor 502 caninclude a lock that is unlocked when the circuit is completed. In somecases, completion of the circuit and/or opening of the device 100C bythe controlling assembly 208C can be contingent on successfulfinger/thumbprint identification via engagement element 500. In othercases, downward movement of the button 204C may be prevented withoutsuccessful finger/thumbprint identification. Continuing with the exampleshown in FIG. 5B, further downward movement of the button 204C canresult in contact between another contact electrode on the lower surface216C of the button 204C and another corresponding contact electrode inthe upper portion of the second conductor 504 (e.g., the rightmostcontact electrodes) as shown in FIG. 5C, completing another circuitwhich can cause device 100C to power up.

Note that the first conductor 502 can include a spring (not shown) whichcan be compressed by the continued downward movement of the button 204C,allowing the button 204C to extend downward to the second conductor 504.In some cases, the spring can assist the button 204C in rebounding tothe second stage position shown in FIG. 5B. In other cases, otherelements (e.g., magnets) can be used to retain the orientation specificactuator 120C in a position associated with the opened orientationand/or the second stage.

In this case, the interface element 206C, controlling assembly 208C, andengagement element 500 are examples of electrical elements foraccomplishing the electrical functionality available in the closedorientation. Other examples of electrical elements are contemplated.

Individual elements of the orientation specific actuators, including thebuttons, interface elements, and controlling assemblies, and/or othercomponents of the example devices described above can be made fromvarious materials, such as metals, plastics, and/or composites. Thesematerials can be prepared in various ways, such as in the form of sheetmetals, die cast metals, machined metals, 3D printed materials, moldedor 3D printed plastics, and/or molded or 3D printed composites, amongothers, or any combination of these materials and/or preparations can beemployed.

The present orientation specific control concepts can be utilized withany type of device, such as but not limited to notebook computers, smartphones, wearable smart devices, tablets, and/or other types of existing,developing, and/or yet to be developed devices.

Various methods of manufacture, assembly, and/or use for orientationspecific actuators and related components are contemplated beyond thoseshown above relative to FIGS. 1A-5C.

Various device examples are described above. Additional examples aredescribed below. One example includes a device comprising a firstportion and a second portion rotatably secured via a hinge assembly suchthat the device is in a closed orientation where inner surfaces of thefirst and second portions overlay one another and such that the deviceis in an opened orientation where the first portion and the secondportion are rotated such that the inner surfaces are apart. The devicefurther comprises an orientation specific actuator positioned on thefirst portion at a first stage corresponding to a more proud positionwith the device in the closed orientation and a second stagecorresponding to a less proud position with the device in the openedorientation. The orientation specific actuator having a first strokeassociated with a first functionality and a second stroke associatedwith a second functionality, the first and second strokes beingaccessible with the device in the closed orientation and the secondstroke being accessible with the device in the opened orientation.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe first functionality comprises causing the device to open in responseto engagement of the orientation specific actuator with the firststroke.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe device further comprises securing elements that cause the first andsecond portions to be released from the closed orientation responsive tothe first stroke.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe second functionality comprises powering up the device or poweringdown the device based at least in part on a current power state of thedevice in response to engagement of the orientation specific actuatorwith the second stroke.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe device further comprises a power switch positioned in the secondportion that causes the device to be powered up or powered downresponsive to the second stroke.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples whereopening the device causes the orientation specific actuator toautomatically lower from the first stage to the second stage.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe device further comprises magnets that retain the orientationspecific actuator at the second stage where the device is at the openedorientation.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe orientation specific actuator functions as a power, sleep, wakefunction button at the second stage.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherea combination of the first stroke and the second stroke corresponds toan amount a user is able to depress the orientation specific actuatorwhere the device is in the closed orientation.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherea height of the orientation specific actuator above a surface of thefirst portion is greater than the combination of the first stroke andthe second stroke.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherea range of functionality provided by the orientation specific actuatorchanges depending on a current orientation of the device, the currentorientation including the opened and closed orientations.

Another example includes a device comprising a first portion and asecond portion rotatably secured via a hinge assembly between opened andclosed orientations. The device further comprises an orientationspecific actuator positioned on the first portion, the orientationspecific actuator having a first stage corresponding to a firstfunctionality at the closed orientation and a second stage correspondingto a second functionality at the opened orientation.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe second functionality is a subset of the first functionality.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe second functionality is different than the first functionality.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe functionality provided by the orientation specific actuatorautomatically changes as the device transitions between the opened andclosed orientations.

Another example includes a device comprising a first portion and asecond portion and a hinge assembly configured to rotate the first andsecond portions between opened and closed orientations. The devicefurther comprises an orientation specific actuator positioned on thefirst portion, comprising an interface element configured to, responsiveto engagement of the orientation specific actuator, cause the device topower up or power down based at least in part on a current state of thedevice and a controlling assembly configured to cause the device to openresponsive to the engagement of the orientation specific actuator wherethe device is in the closed orientation.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe controlling assembly comprises a magnet, and wherein the engagementof the orientation specific actuator where the device is in the closedorientation causes the magnet to release the first and second portion ofthe device to the opened orientation.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe interface element comprises a switch, and wherein the engagement ofthe orientation specific actuator activates the switch.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples whereat least one component of the orientation specific actuator ispositioned on the second portion.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe interface element comprises multiple interface elements.

Although techniques, methods, devices, systems, etc., pertaining toorientation specific control are described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not limited tothe specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific featuresand acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claimedmethods, devices, systems, etc.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A device, comprising: a first portion and a secondportion rotatably secured via a hinge assembly such that the device isin a closed orientation where inner surfaces of the first and secondportions overlay one another and such that the device is in an openedorientation where the first portion and the second portion are rotatedsuch that the inner surfaces are apart; and, an orientation specificactuator positioned on the first portion, the orientation specificactuator providing first functionality when the orientation specificactuator is engaged while the device is in the closed orientation andproviding second functionality when the orientation specific actuator isengaged while the device is in the opened orientation, wherein the firstfunctionality provided when the orientation specific actuator is engagedwhile the device is in the closed orientation involves at least useridentification.
 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the useridentification of the first functionality comprises fingerprint orthumbprint identification.
 23. The device of claim 21, wherein thesecond functionality provided when the orientation specific actuator isengaged while the device in the opened orientation involves powering upthe device or powering down the device.
 24. The device of claim 21,wherein full engagement of the orientation specific actuator in theclosed orientation activates both the first functionality and the secondfunctionality.
 25. The device of claim 24, wherein at least some of thefirst functionality is activated when the orientation specific actuatoris depressed a first stroke distance and at least some of the secondfunctionality is activated when the orientation specific actuator isfurther depressed a second stroke distance different than the firststroke distance.
 26. The device of claim 25, wherein the at least someof the first functionality that is activated when the orientationspecific actuator is depressed the first stroke distance includesopening the device from the closed orientation to the openedorientation.
 27. A device, comprising: a first portion and a secondportion rotatably secured via a hinge assembly such that the device isin a closed orientation where inner surfaces of the first and secondportions overlay one another and such that the device is in an openedorientation where the first portion and the second portion are rotatedsuch that the inner surfaces are apart; and, an orientation specificactuator positioned on the first portion, the orientation specificactuator providing first functionality when the orientation specificactuator is engaged while the device is in the closed orientation andproviding second functionality when the orientation specific actuator isengaged while the device is in the opened orientation, wherein the firstfunctionality provided when the orientation specific actuator is engagedwhile the device is in the closed orientation involves at leastunlocking the device.
 28. The device of claim 27, wherein the firstfunctionality provided when the orientation specific actuator is engagedwhile the device is in the closed orientation also involves at leastopening the device.
 29. The device of claim 28, wherein the secondfunctionality provided when the orientation specific actuator is engagedwhile the device in the opened orientation involves powering up thedevice or powering down the device.
 30. The device of claim 27, whereinfull engagement of the orientation specific actuator in the closedorientation activates both the first functionality and the secondfunctionality.
 31. The device of claim 27, wherein the device isunlocked when the orientation specific actuator is depressed a firststroke distance to complete a first circuit and the second functionalityis activated when the orientation specific actuator is further depresseda second stroke distance different than the first stroke distance tocomplete a second circuit.
 32. The device of claim 27, wherein the firstfunctionality also involves fingerprint or thumbprint identification ofa user engaging the orientation specific actuator.
 33. A device,comprising: a first portion and a second portion rotatably secured via ahinge assembly such that the device is in a closed orientation whereinner surfaces of the first and second portions overlay one another andsuch that the device is in an opened orientation where the first portionand the second portion are rotated such that the inner surfaces areapart; and, an orientation specific actuator positioned on the firstportion, the orientation specific actuator providing first functionalitywhen the orientation specific actuator is engaged while the device is inthe closed orientation and providing second functionality when theorientation specific actuator is engaged while the device is in theopened orientation, wherein the first functionality provided when theorientation specific actuator is engaged while the device is in theclosed orientation involves at least user identification and unlockingthe device contingent upon success of the user identification.
 34. Thedevice of claim 33, further comprising a first contact electrode and asecond contact electrode that complete a circuit when the orientationspecific actuator is engaged while the device is in the closedorientation, wherein completion of the circuit causes the unlocking ofthe device.
 35. The device of claim 34, wherein engagement of theorientation specific actuator to provide the first functionalityinvolves the orientation specific actuator being depressed a firststroke distance sufficient to cause the first contact electrode tocontact the second contact electrode.
 36. The device of claim 35,wherein the second functionality involves powering on the device. 37.The device of claim 36, further comprising a third contact electrode anda fourth contact electrode that complete a second circuit when theorientation specific actuator is engaged while the device is in theclosed orientation or the opened orientation, wherein completion of thesecond circuit causes the powering on of the device.
 38. The device ofclaim 37, wherein engagement of the orientation specific actuator toprovide the second functionality involves the orientation specificactuator being depressed a second stroke distance sufficient to causethe third contact electrode to contact the fourth contact electrode. 39.The device of claim 38, wherein the first stroke distance is notaccessible until successful user identification.
 40. The device of claim39, wherein the user identification comprises fingerprint or thumbprintidentification.